Parking company manages fleet access with key control

KeyWatcher key management system from Morse Watchmans has been deployed by Purple Parking to manage its extensive vehicle fleet at Heathrow airport

Purple Parking has improved operations and increased efficiency at London’s Heathrow Airport using Morse Watchmans’ KeyWatcher key management system. With their 38 distinctive purple buses, numerous company cars and 110 drivers on site at the five-terminal airport, Purple Parking uses their automated KeyWatcher system to control vehicle usage and improve driver accountability.

The KeyWatcher system is used to regulate, store and track keys for vehicles used to transport customers between the various Purple Parking facilities and the airport. Keys are kept in the tamper-proof cabinet when not in use, and only pre-programmed authorized users can access a vehicle key during their working hours. All access activity is automatically recorded, allowing management to view live or recorded data showing which keys are out and with whom, and when the keys were returned or are scheduled to be returned. To help ensure operational control, if a key is returned late, an alert is sent to management via email or SMS text.

“The KeyWatcher thoroughly suits our purpose at the airport,” says Jim Betchley, Transportation Manager at Purple Parking. “Among other features, the tracking and reporting functions have significantly improved our operational efficiency. The information allows us to respond faster to any problems and to track trends that could prove costly if not addressed in a timely manner.”

Some of the other features to which Mr. Betchley refers include the group release function, which lets management sequentially distribute keys so vehicles get equal use. This also enables optimization of scheduling for service and maintenance. A key reservation function guarantees that private cars will be available when needed or reserved, and won’t already be in use. Overall, Mr. Betchley says the system helps keep schedules, drivers and vehicles organized.

“It’s an easy system to use and it gives us complete control,” he adds. “I would have no hesitation in recommending KeyWatcher to anyone who is seeking a solution like this.”

Purple Parking maximizes the value of their key management system with KeyPro® key control software. Mr. Betchley’s department can generate practical management reports which trace key movements by time, date and user code. The built-in scheduler automatically downloads the data to the department computer, allowing management to sort and analyze information.

“Fleet management in general is a perfect match for the KeyWatcher system, and this application is particularly suited to the technology,” said Fernando Pires, VP Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans. “Purple Parking’s reputation relies on good transport organization to meet customer demand, and KeyWatcher helps them achieve that goal.”